IMPORTANT PARTNERS OF SERBIA IN THE FOREIGN TRADE EXCHANGE OF FOOD

Abstract

The focus of this research is the analysis of Serbia's foreign trade in agricultural and food products between 2012 and 2022. Serbia had a positive average export balance with all countries for products from sections 0-Food, 1-Beverages and tobacco, and 4-Animal and vegetable oils and fats, according to the SITC international classification. Serbia achieved the highest average balance in the Food section at USD 1.08 billion. Average food exports amounted to USD 2.57 billion, with a coefficient of variation (CV) of 21.82% and a positive rate of change of 5.61%. The most represented products in the average export were 04 Cereals and related products, accounting for 24.2%, as well as products 05 Fruits and vegetables at 26.2%, although this group of products had a large share in the average import at 21.9%. Serbia's largest food exports are to EU countries with a 53.9% share, followed by CEFTA countries with a 28.6% share. The most important partner countries in food trade from Serbia within CEFTA are BIH, which holds 44.9% in this group. Germany is an important trade partner in the EU, accounting for 14% of Serbia's average exports. The main exports to Germany are frozen raspberries and other frozen fruits (primarily blackberries and sour cherries), soybeans and soybean oil, and rapeseed. Serbia mainly imports food products for nutrition, cheese and related products, frozen pork, tobacco, cigarettes, and inputs for agricultural production from Germany. The most exported products to BIH are malt beer, corn, sunflower seeds, sweet biscuits and waffles, products for animal nutrition, and other food products. Serbia mainly imports frozen raspberries, milk and sour cream, meat, sweet biscuits, salt, trout, and poultry eggs from BIH.